Representatives of Mr. Zuckerman and Mr. Murdoch have been in discussions for several weeks to find ways to combine some business functions of The Daily News and The Post, according to people briefed on the matter. They spoke anonymously because the talks are at a delicate stage and both sides had hoped they would remain confidential…

Sorry!

In addition to a broader pact between The Post and The Daily News, the two newspapers and The Wall Street Journal, which is also owned by the News Corporation, are considering combining home delivery operations to save money, and have sought bids from vendors.

[T]he talks have centered on combining printing, distribution and other back-office functions, while maintaining separate companies and news staffs, in an effort to cut millions in annual costs.

The Times also notes that Murdoch and Zuckerman haven’t met face to face about this yet. When that happens, we’re sure it will take place at high noon.